RANK #473 / 1001 NAT · #35 / 49 OH · POP 1,245,873
1YR FORECAST: +2.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +29%
Shaker Heights, a planned community known for its architecture and green spaces, offers a distinctive entry point to Cuyahoga County. Located in Northeast Ohio, the county is anchored by Cleveland and sits along the southern shore of Lake Erie. Commutes to downtown Cleveland are generally short, with public transit options available. The community feel varies across the county's diverse towns, from urban neighborhoods to lakeside communities like Bay Village. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with the Cleveland Metroparks' "Emerald Necklace" offering trails and waterfalls, and a portion of Cuyahoga Valley National Park providing extensive opportunities for hiking, biking, and paddling.
Life in the county offers a mix of urban amenities and suburban living. Many residents own their homes, and the county features numerous parks, restaurants, and coffee shops. Educational opportunities are available through various public school districts, including those in Bay Village, Shaker Heights, and Solon. The economy is undergoing a transition from its manufacturing past to a knowledge-based economy, with a focus on sectors like technology, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare innovation. Major institutions like the Cleveland Clinic contribute to the region's standing in medical research. Efforts are underway to foster private-sector job growth and ensure equitable economic opportunities across the county's diverse communities.
Cuyahoga County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +4.5% matches the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Below national median (11.3x)
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.5x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Cuyahoga County Solar and Battery Storage Project
Cuyahoga County, City of Cleveland, City of Painesville
|
$129M | Planned |
|
I-90 Central Interchange Pavement and Bridge Replacements
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
I-90 Major Rehabilitation (Hillard Blvd. and West Blvd.)
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
H5 Data Centers Cleveland
H5 Data Centers
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Cuyahoga Generating Facility
Northeastern Power Systems
|
$50M | Operating |
|
700 Lake (Luxury Lakefront Residences)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Cuyahoga County scores 52/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 1001 U.S. counties (#473). Median household income is $64,468 and job growth is running at -1.8%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Cuyahoga County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $195,400 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $1,060/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Cuyahoga County's job market is contracting (-1.8% YoY) while population is roughly stable (-0.3% change). Home values are +4.5% over the past 12 months. Hiring headwinds without an offsetting exodus — residents are staying, but local employers are shedding payroll.
Not particularly — 1.9% of Cuyahoga County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.